Discover Your "Why": Why Motivation is Key to Changing Careers

If you’re anything like me, you probably find yourself juggling multiple roles and responsibilities in your personal and professional life.

Whether it’s managing your family, advancing in your career, or pursuing your personal passions, the demands on your time and energy can be overwhelming. Sometimes you may even find yourself questioning if the career path you are on is right for you at all! 

If you’re considering a career change, it’s important to understand your “why”.

Knowing your why means that you know your motivation for changing careers, and that this motivation is important enough to carry you through the tough spots and spur you on to success. 

Understanding your why can help you make informed decisions and find a career that truly aligns with your goals and values. 

The “Financial-Guru” Why 👨🏻‍🏫

Let’s start with something that might make you a little uncomfortable—money! 

I know it can feel boring, uncertain, or even a little scary, but your financial goals can actually be a great motivator for changing careers. The right career can bring you more money and give you the financial stability you’ve been dreaming of. 

First things first, let’s talk about the perks of making more money. (I mean, who doesn’t love a little extra cash in their pocket?) 

A higher salary can provide you with more financial security, allowing you to pay off debts, save for a rainy day, or even take that dream vacation you’ve been eyeing.

Plus, with more money, you may have the ability to pursue personal passions or hobbies that you may not be able to pursue now. 

Do your research and identify industries that offer higher salaries or job growth potential. Look for job postings and salary ranges to get an idea of what kind of income you can expect. You may also want to consider investing in additional education or certifications that can boost your earning potential in your new field. 

Investing in a new career may require some upfront costs, such as education or training, however, the long-term financial benefits can far outweigh the initial investment. A higher salary can lead to more financial security and stability in the future, allowing you to retire comfortably and pursue your dreams without worrying about money. 

Sounds like a good deal? It is! But there’s more you should be thinking about:

The “Personal Fulfillment” Why 🙋🏻‍♀️

Of course, money isn’t everything. A career change should align with your passions and interests, too. After all, you don’t want to end up in a job you hate just for the paycheck. That’s why it’s important to identify industries that not only offer higher salaries but also align with your values and goals. 

Think about what you enjoy doing and what kind of work environment you thrive in. You know that feeling of satisfaction and joy when you accomplish something you’ve been working hard on? That’s what I’m talking about. 

Your career is a big part of your life, and it’s essential to find one that brings you happiness and fulfillment. If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current job, it might be time to consider a career change. 

Maybe you’ve been dreaming of a career in a different industry or have a passion for something that you’ve never pursued. A career change can be an opportunity to do work that excites you and gives you a sense of purpose. 

Personal fulfillment comes from doing meaningful work that makes a difference in the world—whether it’s helping others, creating something new, or making a positive impact on your community. Find a job that aligns with your passions and values. When you’re doing work that you love, it doesn’t feel like work at all. You feel energized, motivated, and excited to tackle each day. 

Think about what you’re passionate about and what kind of work environment you thrive in. It could be anything from writing to teaching, from social work to entrepreneurship—the options are endless! 

Here’s the thing: career change can be scary, especially if you’re leaving a job that you’ve been comfortable in for years. But you can’t let fear hold you back from pursuing a career that brings you personal fulfillment. 

Take it one step at a time and do your research. Talk to people who work in the industry you’re interested in, shadow someone for a day, or take a class to learn more. Remember, nothing worth having comes easy, and a fulfilling career is no exception. 

When you’re doing work that brings you joy and purpose, you’re more likely to be successful in your career too. You’ll be motivated to work harder, take on new challenges, and achieve your goals. Plus, personal fulfillment can spill over into other areas of your life—like your relationships.

The “Family” Why 👪

We often have to balance our careers and family responsibilities. That can be a challenging juggling act, and sometimes you may feel like something’s got to give. 

But what if I told you that family life can actually be a great motivator for changing careers? 

Yes, you heard that right. 

You don’t have to choose.

(*Insert huge sigh of relief and a happy dance*).

Let’s talk about the obvious: family responsibilities can be demanding and time-consuming. That’s why you might feel like your career is getting in the way of spending time with your loved ones. 

This is where a career change can come in handy. Maybe you want a job that offers more flexible hours or you want to work closer to home. A career change can allow you to find a job that fits in with your family life, making it easier to balance your work and home responsibilities. 

Now, let’s talk about the less obvious: family life can actually inspire you to pursue a career that aligns with your values and goals. Maybe you want to set a positive example for your children or contribute to your relationships in a more meaningful way. 

A career change can be daunting, especially when you have a family to support. But it may also be the best thing for you and your loved ones. Talk to your family members about your career goals, and seek support from friends, mentors, or career coaches who have your back (like me!). 

A family-inspired career change can strengthen your relationships with your loved ones, and give you more time and energy to spend with them. 

Making your career work for you and your family is the way to go! 

The “Passion and Purpose” Why 🔥

Are you feeling stuck in your current job? Do you find yourself daydreaming about a career that fills you with purpose and passion? 

If so, you’re not alone. 

Many women reach a point in their careers where they start to question their purpose and whether they’re truly fulfilled in their work. 

But guess what?

Instead of being constant reminders that you’re not doing what you want to be doing, your passion and purpose can actually lead you to a career that you love!

First of all, let’s talk about passion. When you’re passionate about something, you’re naturally drawn to it. You may find yourself spending your free time researching or learning more about the subject. So, why not turn that passion into a career? 

Pursuing a career in a field that you're passionate about can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. Like I said before—when you’re doing work that you love, it doesn’t feel like work at all. Instead, it feels like a calling, and you’ll be more motivated and fulfilled in your work (and your whole life too!)

Your purpose, on the other hand, is the reason why you do what you do. It’s the driving force behind your actions and decisions. When you have a strong sense of purpose, you’re more likely to feel fulfilled in your work. 

So how can you find your purpose? Start by asking yourself what you’re most passionate about, and how you can use that passion to make a difference in the world. 

Maybe you’re passionate about helping others, or maybe you want to make a positive impact on the environment. Whatever your passion, there’s likely a career path that aligns with your purpose. 

Pursuing a career based on your passion and purpose may not be easy. It may require you to take risks, learn new skills, and even start your own business. (Believe me—I’ve been there!) But remember that pursuing your passion with determination might also mean getting the career of your dreams! 

The “Work-Life Balance” Why ⚖️

You might feel like you’re stuck in an endless game of career vs. personal life…and that you can’t ever seem to get the balance right! 

A work-life balance is all about finding the right balance between your career and your personal life so that you can be successful in both. It’s about having the flexibility to work when you need to, but also having the freedom to enjoy your personal life without being bogged down by work. 

When you have a good work-life balance, you’ll likely feel more fulfilled in your personal and professional life. 

Do your research and find a company or industry that values work-life balance. Look for companies that offer flexible working hours, remote work opportunities, and generous vacation time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interviewing process about the company policies and expectations so you can figure out whether you can balance that with the things you enjoy.

Remember, you’re not just interviewing for a job—you’re also interviewing the company to see if it’s a good fit for you! 

Let’s be real. This may require sacrifices—like taking a pay cut or giving up some career growth opportunities. But pursuing the things that are most important to you will make you the happiest and healthiest in the long run. 

The “Skill Set and Talents” Why 🌟

You don’t need to just daydream about a career where you shine and show off your abilities—you can actually have one! 

When you work in a job that doesn’t utilize your natural abilities, you may feel bored, unchallenged, and unfulfilled. But when you pursue a career that aligns with your talents and skill sets, you’re more likely to feel energized, inspired, and fulfilled. 

Plus, you’ll be able to showcase your unique talents and stand out from the crowd. 

Take the time to assess your strengths and passions. Think about the tasks that come naturally to you, and that you enjoy doing. Consider your hobbies and interests, and think about how you can turn them into a career. Don’t be afraid to try something new or take a risk. 

All in all, pursuing a career that aligns with your goals and fulfills your why means that you have the best motivation—you know what’s most important to you. Take the time to assess your strengths, passions, and priorities, and don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing your dreams. 

It sounds scary, but who knows? You might just end up doing something you love. 

👇🏿 Tyche Takeaways 👇🏿

• It’s important to understand your motivation for changing careers. 
• Your why can include things like family, financial goals, personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and pursuing your skills and talents. 
• A career that helps you achieve your financial goals will improve your financial situation, give you a much-needed break, and provide security.
• A career that aligns with your passions and values can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding life. 
• A career that provides more flexibility and work-life balance allows you to better support and care for your family, and invest in the relationships that are important to you. 
• A career that utilizes your natural abilities can lead to greater job satisfaction, personal growth, and success. 
• Changing careers can help you achieve a better work-life balance, reducing stress and improving your overall well-being.